San Francisco Employment Contract and Severance Agreement Lawyers
Experienced Employment Contract and Severance Agreement Lawyers in San Francisco, CA
Comprehensive Representation for Employment Contracts and Severance Agreements
Employment contracts and severance agreements are critical documents that define your rights, obligations, and protections in the workplace. At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we provide expert guidance to employees navigating these agreements, ensuring clarity and fairness. Our attorneys review and negotiate terms related to salary, benefits, non-compete clauses, and termination conditions, and we represent clients in disputes arising from contract breaches or severance disputes.
Our client-centered approach involves thoroughly analyzing your agreement, listening to your goals, and developing a tailored strategy. Whether you’re seeking better contract terms, enforcing an existing agreement, or securing a fair severance package, we are equipped to advocate for you. Our goal is to protect your rights and maximize your benefits, whether through negotiation or, if necessary, litigation.
Specialized Expertise in Employment Contracts and Severance Agreements
Lawless, Lawless & McGrath has built a reputation for excellence in employment law, particularly in representing employees in contract and severance matters. Our founding partners, Barbara A. Lawless and Therese M. Lawless, bring decades of combined experience. Barbara, recognized by Super Lawyers and the Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers, is a trailblazer in plaintiff-side employment law. Therese, a Super Lawyer and member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, excels in negotiating and litigating complex employment agreements.
Our team also includes Emily S. McGrath, a Super Lawyer with a strong track record in handling nuanced contract disputes, and Sinclaire M. Parer, whose meticulous approach strengthens our case preparation. Together, we have successfully represented clients across industries, from tech to healthcare, ensuring fair treatment in employment contracts and severance agreements. Our collective expertise ensures personalized, high-quality representation.
Why Choose Lawless, Lawless & McGrath?
Choosing the right attorney is critical when dealing with employment contracts or severance agreements. At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we pride ourselves on our commitment to clients and proven results. Unlike larger firms, we provide personalized attention, ensuring you feel heard and supported throughout the process. Our San Francisco-based firm has a deep understanding of California employment laws and a robust network to negotiate and litigate effectively.
We have a history of achieving favorable outcomes, whether through strategic negotiations or courtroom victories. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and fierce litigators, prepared to pursue your interests in any forum. We offer contingency fee arrangements for litigation matters, meaning you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you, alleviating financial burdens.
Types of Employment Contract and Severance Issues We Address
Our firm handles a wide range of contract and severance matters, including:
- Employment Contract Review: Analyzing job offers to clarify terms like salary, benefits, stock options, and non-compete clauses.
- Contract Negotiation: Advocating for better terms, such as higher pay, longer terms, or favorable buyout clauses.
- Breach of Contract: Representing employees when employers fail to honor contract terms, such as promised bonuses or job security.
- Severance Agreement Negotiation: Securing fair severance packages, including salary continuation, COBRA payments, and outplacement support.
- Severance Disputes: Challenging unfair severance terms or enforcing agreements that include confidentiality or non-compete provisions.
- Non-Compete and Confidentiality Clauses: Ensuring restrictive covenants are reasonable and enforceable under California law.
We also address related issues, such as disputes over references, liquidated damages, or employer breaches that excuse further performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in an employment contract?
Key terms include salary, benefits, job duties, term length, termination conditions, non-compete clauses, and stock options. We review these to ensure clarity and fairness, protecting your rights.
Can I negotiate my employment contract or severance agreement?
Yes, many agreements are negotiable. We can advocate for better terms, such as higher pay, extended severance, or fewer restrictions, to align with your goals.
What happens if my employer breaches my contract?
If your employer fails to honor terms (e.g., unpaid bonuses, wrongful termination), you may have a claim for damages. We can negotiate a resolution or pursue litigation.
How long does it take to resolve a contract or severance dispute?
Timelines vary based on complexity and resolution path (negotiation or litigation). Negotiations may take weeks, while lawsuits can take months or longer. We keep you informed throughout.
Can I challenge a non-compete clause in my agreement?
In California, non-compete clauses are generally unenforceable unless narrowly tailored (e.g., for business sales). We can assess and challenge restrictive clauses to protect your career mobility.
Notable Case Results
At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, our track record demonstrates our dedication to securing justice for employees in contract and severance matters. Below are examples of our significant verdicts and settlements:
- $8,000,000 Settlement – Age Discrimination; Breach of Contract: Long-term employee who moved into upper management was forced out of company for no apparent reason.
- $1,500,000 Verdict – Breach of Contract: A package delivery driver turned manager was wrongfully terminated after having successfully moved up through the company. Trial Attorney: Therese Lawless
- $1,150,000 Settlement – Defamation; Intentional Interference with Contractual Relations: An employee of a company was wrongly accused of taking confidential information to his new employer. New employer then terminated him. Forensic testing revealed he was innocent.
- $950,000 Settlement – Age discrimination; Breach of Contract: After a $250,000 verdict in a breach of contract case was affirmed on appeal, the fired employee won her appeal on the age discrimination claim, which the lower court had improperly dismissed.
- $450,000 Verdict – Breach of contract: An assistant buyer was awarded $450,000 when she was fired in breach of an implied employment contract after years of dedicated service. Trial Attorney: Barbara Lawless
These results reflect our ability to handle complex cases with care and tenacity. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate our commitment to fighting for our clients.
Our Commitment to You as Your Employment Contract and Severance Agreement Attorneys
At Lawless, Lawless & McGrath, we believe every employee deserves fair and transparent agreements that protect their rights. Our firm is founded on the principle of fighting for justice, and we carry that mission into every case. We proudly serve clients throughout California, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and surrounding areas. Our attorneys are active members of the National Employment Lawyers Association, California Employment Lawyers Association, and San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, ensuring cutting-edge representation.
Navigating employment contracts or severance agreements can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from initial review to resolution. To learn more about how we can help, call us at 415-391-7555 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.